New Hall Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to West Yorkshire’s Female Facility

Located in the rural village of Flockton, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, New Hall Prison serves as a key facility in the UK’s prison system, dedicated to female offenders. Officially known as HMP/YOI New Hall, this closed prison offers a structured environment with a focus on rehabilitation for women and young offenders. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its role in the justice system, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of New Hall Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, offering an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of New Hall Prison

New Hall Prison, officially HMP/YOI New Hall, is a closed prison for adult female prisoners and young offenders (aged 18–21) located in Flockton, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Established in 1933, it has a capacity of approximately 446 inmates. The facility houses women serving short to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, including those on remand, with a focus on rehabilitation through education and vocational training.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, New Hall is known for its tailored programmes for female offenders, including parenting courses, education, and therapeutic interventions, supported by facilities like classrooms and workshops. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised in recent years, the prison serves a diverse population from the North of England. Recent inspections praise its supportive environment but highlight challenges with mental health support and staff shortages, positioning New Hall as a vital yet complex facility.

History of New Hall Prison

New Hall Prison opened in 1933 as a borstal for young male offenders, built on a former country estate. It was re-roled in the 1980s to house female prisoners, reflecting the need for dedicated women’s facilities. The prison’s design incorporated rehabilitation spaces, with single and shared accommodation, workshops, and educational facilities, adapting the original estate to modern needs.

Key milestones include the introduction of parenting and trauma-focused programmes in the 1990s and expansions to its educational facilities in the 2000s. Inspections in the 1980s noted issues with aging infrastructure, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report commended its rehabilitation programmes but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and staffing challenges. New Hall’s history reflects its evolution as a specialised women’s prison, balancing rehabilitation with security.

New Hall Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for New Hall Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in a rural area, 5 miles east of Wakefield, accessible via the A637.

New Hall Prison Telephone Number

To contact New Hall Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1924 803200

Sourced from GOV.UK, this number connects to the main switchboard, available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For visitor bookings or specific queries, follow the prompts or request relevant extensions.

New Hall Prison Capacity

New Hall Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 446 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and shared accommodation across several residential units, with accessibility adaptations for some inmates. Its capacity supports its role as a women’s prison, though space constraints can occur during peak periods.

How to Get to New Hall Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

New Hall Prison’s rural location near Wakefield requires planning, but it is accessible by car, bus, or limited train connections, with links to Wakefield, Huddersfield, and Leeds.

By Car: From Wakefield, take the A637 east to Flockton (10 minutes). From Huddersfield, follow the A642 east, then the A637 (15 minutes). From Leeds, take the M1 south to Junction 39, then the A636 and A637 (25 minutes). The prison is signposted off Dial Wood.

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including disabled spaces. The car park is adjacent to the visitor centre, with ample spaces even during peak hours.

By Train: The nearest station is Wakefield Westgate Railway Station, 5 miles away (10-minute taxi). Northern Rail and LNER operate services from Leeds (15 minutes), Huddersfield (20 minutes), and London King’s Cross (2 hours). Taxis from the station cost £8–£12. Check schedules on the Northern Rail website.

By Bus: From Wakefield, the Number 232 bus (Arriva) stops in Flockton, a 5-minute walk from the prison. Buses run hourly, taking 15 minutes from Wakefield Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva Yorkshire website.

How to Book a Visit to New Hall Prison

Visiting New Hall Prison requires advance booking and compliance with security protocols. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1924 803200 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
2. Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 14 days in advance.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a waiting area and family-friendly facilities.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

New Hall Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by GOV.UK, are:

• Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is welcoming, with a play area and refreshments for families. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at New Hall Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at New Hall Prison is structured to support the unique needs of female offenders, offering a range of rehabilitation programmes. Inmates live in single or shared accommodation across residential units, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., hairdressing, catering), and therapeutic programmes like parenting courses and trauma support. Facilities include a gym, library, and limited outdoor areas, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows.

A 2023 inspection found that 70% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, and occasional violence remain challenges, with over 100 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is a priority but strained, with high self-harm rates due to the complex needs of female inmates. Positive aspects include family-focused programmes and peer mentoring, which help inmates maintain ties. Inmates describe a supportive yet challenging environment, with education and therapy offering hope, though staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt progress.

Recent News About New Hall Prison

New Hall Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its rehabilitation efforts and challenges:

• Parenting Programme Success: In March 2025, a parenting course supported 15 inmates in maintaining family ties, reducing reoffending risks. Yorkshire Post
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Leeds
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight New Hall’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hall Prison

Who is held at New Hall Prison?

New Hall Prison houses adult female prisoners and young offenders (18–21) serving short to long-term sentences or on remand.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At New Hall, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1924 803200 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is New Hall Prison accessible?

Yes, it offers ramps, accessible toilets, and parking. Request accommodations when booking to ensure a smooth visit.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and therapeutic programmes, including literacy, hairdressing, catering, and parenting courses, though availability varies.

How safe is New Hall Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 70% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and occasional violence are concerns, but support programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and New Hall Prison’s focus on rehabilitation for women makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 446 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in parenting programmes alongside challenges like drug smuggling, New Hall is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1924 803200 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Dial Wood address or connect with someone at New Hall Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.